Reports of irregularities, abuse and insecurity in government children’s homes across Bangladesh have raised serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable children. Run by the Department of Social Services (DSS), these institutions are meant to provide shelter, education, healthcare and rehabilitation for orphans and disadvantaged children. However, recurring allegations of mismanagement, negligence and inadequate supervision suggest serious failures in fulfilling these responsibilities.
A report published by Daily TIMES of Bangladesh has uncovered alarming irregularities at the Tejgaon Government Children’s Home in the capital. Administrative negligence and inadequate oversight have reportedly undermined discipline, with two adolescent girls becoming pregnant within six months. Even more disturbing are allegations that children were forced to work as domestic helpers in the homes of officials and employees, a serious abuse of authority requiring immediate investigation.
Similar allegations have emerged from other institutions, including the misappropriation of food, the provision of poor-quality meals and neglect of accommodation. Despite their duty to protect residents, some officials and employees have reportedly subjected children to abuse. Negligence at girls’ homes has also exposed adolescents to sexual abuse and other dangerous situations. In some cases, children have reportedly disappeared after raising allegations of abuse, creating fear among other residents.
External security is another concern. Drug users reportedly gather near the entrances of some institutions, while girls face harassment on their way in and out. The authorities’ failure to address these threats further compromises the safety of children who depend on the state for protection.
The DSS operates 85 residential institutions nationwide, with an approved capacity of 10,300 places. Tejgaon is the capital’s only government residential home for girls, accommodating 127 residents despite having a capacity of 175. Yet, allegations of misconduct raise questions about its management and safeguarding arrangements.
Former residents have alleged that a female teacher at the nearby BG Press High School regularly took adolescent girls to her home without the written permission required under institutional rules. One girl reportedly became pregnant in July and subsequently left the institution. In September, three girls fled because they could no longer tolerate neglect and mistreatment. Police recovered them from the streets the following day. When children feel compelled to flee their designated shelters, the failure of institutional protection becomes painfully evident.
Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere. In Faridpur, a case was filed after a 14-year-old resident of a government girls’ home became pregnant. Police arrested the accused, while five officials and employees were suspended over alleged negligence. Missing children have also been reported from the government children’s home in Habiganj.
Although these institutions are governed by the 2002 management guidelines and the Children Act 2013, amended in 2018, recurring incidents indicate serious shortcomings in enforcement.
We believe the government must strengthen regular inspections, investigate allegations of abuse and corruption independently, and ensure exemplary punishment for those found responsible. Confidential complaint mechanisms should enable children to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Staff accountability, child protection measures and security around the institutions must also be improved.
Government children’s homes must be places of safety, care and opportunity, not fear and exploitation. Protecting children who have no guardians to defend them is a fundamental responsibility of the state. The authorities must act decisively to ensure that no child entrusted to their care is left vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
